Distillerie Grallet-Dupic
History of Distillerie Grallet-Dupic
Early Beginnings: The Grallet Family Farm
- Year Established: 1877
- Founders: Amable Grallet and his wife Ophélie
- Initial Operations: The Grallet family started with a tree and cereal farm. In 1890, their son Michel Grallet planted the first mirabelle trees, marking the farm’s first step towards fruit-based production, especially after the phylloxera devastation of local vineyards.
Transition to Distillation
- Early 20th Century: The distillation of mirabelle plum brandy began to take prominence, a tradition that evolved with each generation. Jean Grallet, Michel’s son, was instrumental in this development between the two World Wars.
- 1973: Hubert Grallet took over, enhancing the production of eau-de-vie and beginning its distribution to various markets.
The Advent of Whisky Production
Establishment of Whisky Distillation
- Late 20th Century: Christophe Dupic, Hubert Grallet’s son-in-law, joined the family business and initiated the shift towards whisky production, inspired by his interest in whisky and agricultural engineering background.
- Early 2000s: The distillery officially ventured into whisky production, with an emphasis on using local barley and traditional distillation methods.
The Distillation Process and Environmental Commitment
Distillation and Ageing Techniques
- Process: The distillery uses a double distillation process with Charentais stills and ages their whisky in various barrels, including those previously used for wines and spirits.
- Barley Cultivation: The Grallet-Dupic family cultivates malt barley on 300 hectares, ensuring a consistent supply of quality ingredients for their whisky production.
Environmental Practices
- Sustainability: The distillery employs methanization to produce biogas, which is used for heating, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Current Status and Product Recognition
Contemporary Operations and Recognition
- Present-Day Status: The distillery is renowned for its Rozelieures whisky range, including the Origine Collection and the Rare Collection.
- Awards and Reviews: The products have received positive reviews for their balanced and complex flavor profiles.
Distillerie Grallet-Dupic represents a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness. From its origins as a cereal and tree farm to its current status as a producer of fine whiskies, the distillery’s journey is marked by adaptation and excellence. The commitment of the Grallet and Dupic families to quality and sustainability continues to define their products and operations.
Distillerie Grallet-Dupic Tour Information and Experience
Distillerie Grallet-Dupic offers an immersive and engaging tour experience for visitors interested in learning about the production of Rozelieure’s whisky. The tours take place at the distillery, which is situated amidst an agricultural estate, and they provide an in-depth look into the various stages of whisky production, from the raw materials to the finished product.
Tour Options and Activities
- Origin Visit:
- This tour involves a two-part experience:
- First, visitors are shown a Sound & Light film that narrates the history of the family business and their whisky.
- Following the film, there is a visit to the stills room where the whisky production process is demonstrated.
- The tour concludes with a tasting of a whisky from the Collection range.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Availability: The visit is free and can be experienced during the distillery’s opening hours.
- This tour involves a two-part experience:
- Assemble Your Whisky Workshop:
- For those keen on a more hands-on experience, this workshop allows visitors to blend their own whisky.
- The workshop includes:
- A tour of the stills room and viewing of the Sound and Light film.
- A visit to a cellar.
- A personalised session where participants can blend their own whisky.
- Participants leave with a 20cl or 70cl bottle of their own blended whisky.
- This workshop is popular for small group events like company seminars and can also be gifted to a loved one.
Visiting Hours and Booking Information
- From May to September:
- Monday to Saturday: 9am to 11am and 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
- Sundays are available by reservation.
- From October to April:
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 11am and 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
- Saturday and Sunday are available by reservation.
- Group Visits:
- For group visits, booking via telephone is recommended.
- Workshop Dates:
- Specific dates are available for the whisky blending workshop in 2023.
Additional Notes
The distillery is particularly noted for its integration with the agricultural estate, which ensures a robust supply of raw materials and highlights their commitment to environmental sustainability. They have a unique biogas production system from distillery effluents that contributes significantly to heating the distillery and nearby buildings.
Flask & Barrel Review of Distillerie Grallet-Dupic
What To Do Nearby Distillerie Grallet-Dupic
Place Stanislas (32.79 km away): This famous square in Nancy is known for its stunning architecture and the Duke of Stanislas statue. Ideal for a leisurely visit of 1-2 hours.
Eglise St-Remy (22.48 km away): A beautiful church with notable artworks. It’s a great spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating historical art.
Le Chateau de Luneville (16.57 km away): This chateau offers a glimpse into France’s rich history. Visitors can enjoy the unique architecture and serene surroundings.
Nancy City Hall (32.71 km away): Located at Place Stanislas, the city hall is an architectural marvel with cultural significance, suitable for a shorter visit of around 0.5-1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Distillerie Grallet-Dupic?
Restaurant Saint Pierre: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +33 3 83 70 99 45. Their address is 2 Rue Saint-Pierre, 54830 Gerbéviller, France.
Lulu Bistrot Itinérant: This establishment has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. You can contact them at +33 6 11 71 28 62. The address is 53 Gr Grande Rue, 88330 Damas-aux-Bois, France.
Restaurant Le Centre: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For inquiries, their phone number is +33 6 59 22 26 09. The address is 9 Pl. Henri Breton, 88130 Charmes, France.